Access For Higher Education - Letterkenny & Sligo & Mayo
The Certificate in Access for Higher Education is designed to provide participants with an alternative route into university.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Atlantic Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Students will study on-campus, tuition will be provided over 9 hours per week and typically spread over 2 days in Semester 1 and up to 3 days in Semester 2.
Entry Requirements
Over 19 years by 1st of January in the proposed academic year of entry and have successfully completed at least 5 subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate (or an equivalent international exam). Maths and either English or Irish are required.
OR
Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirement may be admitted to the programme on the grounds of mature years (Over 23 by 1st January in the proposed year of entry.
OR
Leaving Certificate Applied/QQI Level 5.
To facilitate direct entry onto this course LCA applicants are required to have achieved 160 credits out of 200 in their final exam.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
On successful completion of this programme, students may apply through the CAO for entry onto undergraduate programmes in ATU. Note – progression from the Access Programme is not possible for the following programmes: AU170, AU171, AU172, AU374, AU375, AU975.
Further information
This course is free of charge for students.
Course Overview
The Certificate in Access for Higher Education is designed to provide participants with an alternative route into university. On successful completion of this programme, participants are eligible to apply for undergraduate programmes across ATU (quotas apply on some programmes.) This Access for Higher Education course is intended for students who wish to return to study at third level, but who need time and knowledge to get up the speed with the demands of education format.
Programme Structure
The Certificate in Access for Higher Education is delivered over one academic year, typically across two semesters, with students attending on campus two to three days per week.
In the first semester, the focus is on building core academic skills and confidence for higher education, including study skills, digital literacy, and personal development.
In the second semester, students begin to explore subject areas aligned with their interests while continuing to develop key academic and research skills. Students combine mandatory modules with two optional subject choices aimed at helping to inform future study choices (note semester two subject choices may differ across campuses and only where there is sufficient demand).
Throughout the programme, learning is supported through a mix of lectures, tutorials, and practical activities, with a strong emphasis on developing independent learning and preparing for progression to higher education.
Semester 1
• Application of Numbers (M)
• Learning Skills and Personal Development (M)
• ICT (M)
• College Skills and Career Planning (M)
Semester 2
• Academic Writing (M)
• Maths for STEM (E)
• Computing (E)
• Science (E)
• Introduction to Engineering (E)
• Research Fundamentals (E)
• Business and Law (E)
• Introduction to Design Principles (E)
• Social Care and Education (E)
• Tourism and Sport (E)
• English Language & Irish Culture (E)
• Nature & Place (E)
• Introduction to Community Development and Youth Work (E)
• Introduction to Social Sciences (E)
M = Mandatory, E = Elective
Recommended Study Hours per week
Students should expect to allow for 2-3 study hours per week per 5 credit module.
Access Programme Co-ordinator (Donegal)
Brian McGonagle
T: +353 (0)74 918 6175
E: brian.mcgonagle@atu.ie
Access Programme Co-ordinator (Sligo and Mayo)
Philip White
T: +353(0)719179516
E: Philip.M.White@atu.ie